Pinot Meunier ‘The Unexpected’
“With Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, you know what to expect. On the contrary, Pinot Meunier is an unmarked road”
Corinne Seely , Head Winemaker
This autumn we celebrate the launch of our magnificent limited release, the Pinot Meunier Rosé Plot 4 but what is it that makes this wine so very special?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are amongst the most well-known noble varieties for sparkling, but how many people have heard of Pinot Meunier as a single variety of grapes?
Historically, grown as a variety in the Champagne region of France, it has always been seen to be resistant and hardy. Treated as an insurance policy, late to bud and well suited to the cooler climates, Pinot Meunier could be relied upon for consistent yields when Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were more susceptible to frost.
Recently, traditional method sparkling winemakers started to recognise the value and unique characteristics that Pinot Meunier can bring. Corinne has always had a soft spot for this forgotten variety and has used her time and freedom in England to showcase this “sleeping beauty”.
“I’ve never seen Pinot Meunier thrive as much as it does on Exton Park’s unrivalled bed of cretaceous chalk. Plot 4 is very special to me, it’s the chalkiest part of the vineyard.”
The Exton Park Pinot Meunier Rosé Plot 4 is a wine full of surprises, you can feel the vibrancy and electricity the moment the cork is popped.
When the wine is poured, the delicate pearlescent bubbles highlight the beautiful pale amber colour achieved by Corinne. On the nose, the subtle fennel, clove and sweet spice notes are followed by a hit of plum jam which are complex and alluring, inviting you to taste. The palette explodes with hints of tangerine and a touch of almonds. An exquisite wine that absolutely must be tasted!
